Earnhardt ready to run

BY ALLEN GREGORY
BRISTOL HERALD COURIER

CONCORD, N.C. – One year ago, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. rocked the NASCAR world by joining Hendrick Motorsports.

To his most ardent followers, Earnhardt had forsaken his rowdy roots by uniting with the most conservative team in the sport.

In his first press conference after leaving Dale Earnhardt, Inc., media members and fans remarked on the “corporate” appearance of the former bad boy.

Wednesday afternoon at Hendrick Motorsports, Earnhardt appeared to be more self-assured as he faced waves of reporters during the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour hosted by Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

“I was a little nervous last year about whether I was going to run well and how well I would fit in,” Earnhardt said.

“I’m still trying to fit in and feel like a piece of the whole thing here, but I feel a lot more comfortable.”

For most racers, the lone measure of success is winning. That standard is certainly important at the massive Hendrick operation, which has won 175 Sprint Cup races and eight Sprint Cup championships in 25 years.

“I’ve just got to make my contributions in the hardware department,” Earnhardt said, referring to race trophies. “That always fixes a lot of uncertainties and insecurities.”

Earnhardt won just one points race last season, but did finish fourth in the 26-race regular season.

While he struggled mightily during the 10-race Chase to the Sprint Cup, Earnhardt is focused on the big picture.

“Hopefully I learned something,” Earnhardt said. “I’ve been doing this a while, and I’m pretty good at it.

“I’ve just got to catch run good and catch a few breaks.”

As for the woes and recent merger of his former DEI team with Ganassi Racing, Earnhardt offered little insight or commentary.

“I don’t know where they’re at. Where are they?” Earnhardt replied, referring to DEI. “Somebody explain it to me. It’s all confusing as hell.

“I don’t talk to anybody ... All I know is what ya’ll [the media] write.”

The Earnhardt-Ganassi team was not included on 2009 Media Tour. DEI owner, Teresa Earnhardt, was roundly criticized last year for refusing to allow her drivers to participate in the one-on-one questioning that is routine at other stops on the media tour.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. admitted Wednesday that his high-profile role at DEI was challenging. He eventually left the operation after his stepmother refused to grant him more control in the team his late father founded.

“It was tough in 2006 and 2007,” Earnhardt said. “It was a balance of struggle, fun, perseverance and survival.

“Now, we’re just going to work. We’ve got all the equipment, great looking race cars and great employees.”

Though many of his adoring fans might still find it hard to accept, Earnhardt said the Hendrick Motorsports team is unmatched in NASCAR in terms of talent, depth and workmanship.

“There’s no organization that can match this place,” Earnhardt said.

And Earnhardt predicted that Hendrick will win the Sprint Cup title for a fourth straight season. Jimmie Johnson, Earnhardt’s teammate, has won the past three championships.

“Hendrick is just going to make it happen,” Earnhardt said.

“I’ve witnessed it on both sides of the fence, and I have confidence that we’ll be able to go out and put one of those teams at the top at the end of the season.”

Through detractors question his fitness, commitment and crew chief, Earnhardt appears to have found a happy niche in life.

And it’s all about having a fast car and nurturing work environment.

“We have so much confidence we show up at the race track every week,” Earnhardt said.

“That’s fun – way fun.”

agregory@bristolnews.com (276) 669-2544